THEY say God moves in mysterious ways, but sometimes it is for a bigger purpose, as former Mansfield Anglican minister Rev Melissa (Mel) Clark is about to find out as she embarks on a new journey next week.
Rev Mel, or just Mel as she prefers to be called, arrived in Mansfield in November 2022 to lead the flock at St John’s Mansfield and St Peter’s Jamieson after leaving her previous country parish in Trentham/Woodend, where she served for several years.
Her new role begins on January 31, when she will be inducted as parish priest in charge at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Benalla.
This will be followed by a collation on February 2 at Beechworth, where she will be appointed archdeacon within the Diocese of Wangaratta.
While sad to be leaving, with her last service conducted on Sunday, January 26, Rev Mel is excited about the future and sees this as a calling that will use her strengths in a positive way.
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Her new role will maintain ties with her previous parish, as she will have oversight as archdeacon of the southern part of the diocese, which includes Mansfield.
Oversight of the Benalla Anglican parish, including St Aidan’s at Swanpool, will keep her busy, and the opportunity to teach and mentor those entering ordination will fuel her passion.
As archdeacon, she will ensure the wellbeing of clergy across 13 parishes, from Wangaratta to Kilmore and Marysville to Mansfield.
“I will be looking after people coming through for ordination, as well as doing lay teaching," she said.
“It is a really amazing ministry development role.
“It was 10 years ago when I felt the calling to this role. I will still be a parish priest, but this is a beautiful mix of who I am,” she added.
While her time in Mansfield was shorter than expected, it has been fruitful.
The parish priest, a self-confessed nerd and Jane Austen tragic, has ensured her visibility in the community by frequenting local coffee shops with her constant companion, Oscar the border collie, in tow.
She has been described by several locals as “a breath of fresh air,” full of joy and down-to-earth.
A passionate advocate for mental health, Rev Mel is delighted to see how the men’s breakfast has grown during her time at St John’s.
The outreach has connected many within and outside the parish, with up to 30 attendees each month.
Her other passion is helping people find genuine connections and a sense of belonging.
When approached by Alison O’Keefe, coordinator of the Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG), to join the initiative, Rev Mel was eager to get involved.
“I was at the Kyneton Men’s Shed when the premier announced the royal commission into mental health in February 2019,” she said, adding that it was the impetus for SIAG’s establishment.
Another initiative to address social isolation was the drop-in friendship group each Friday morning at Café 41.
“Although Mansfield is a busy and welcoming town, there are many lonely and isolated people in our community,” said Rev Mel.
The group, which began as a knitting circle, has seen new friendships blossom, with around 10 attendees each week.
A gifted singer, Rev Mel has been overjoyed to see the choir revitalised under musical leader Jane Herbert, with many new members joining.
The choir performed a sacred piece as a farewell surprise at her final service.
Outside the church, Rev Mel is a dedicated Rotarian and has already joined the Benalla club.
During her time in Mansfield, she strengthened bonds with the Uniting and Catholic churches.
Once a month, the three churches hold a rotating ecumenical service on Saturday mornings.
More recently, parishioners from St Andrew’s joined those of St John’s for morning tea in the hall after their respective services.
This relationship culminated in St Andrew’s attending Rev Mel’s last service instead of holding their own.
“The greatest legacy I leave is knowing that these things will keep going and that St John’s is there for them,” she said.
